diff --git a/src/scratchpad/src/org/apache/poi/hslf/model/SimpleShape.java b/src/scratchpad/src/org/apache/poi/hslf/model/SimpleShape.java
index b0bdcadcca..cb32e69c2b 100644
--- a/src/scratchpad/src/org/apache/poi/hslf/model/SimpleShape.java
+++ b/src/scratchpad/src/org/apache/poi/hslf/model/SimpleShape.java
@@ -246,6 +246,15 @@ public class SimpleShape extends Shape {
         return angle;
     }
 
+    /**
+     * Rotate this shape
+     *
+     * @param theta the rotation angle in degrees
+     */
+    public void setRotation(int theta){
+        setEscherProperty(EscherProperties.TRANSFORM__ROTATION, (theta << 16));
+    }
+
     public Rectangle2D getLogicalAnchor2D(){
         Rectangle2D anchor = getAnchor2D();